Market Position:
Compact car, positioned as an affordable and fuel-efficient option within the Mercury lineup
Competitors:
Ford Escort (mechanical twin), Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cavalier, Nissan Sentra
Key Features:
Reliability, fuel economy, practical interior space, accessible price point
Licensing:
Officially licensed, derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials
Access Duration:
1 Year (with discounts for renewal)
Device Compatibility:
PC, laptop, smartphone, tablet (requires internet connection and web browser)
Coverage Areas:
Comprehensive service and repair for all major vehicle systems
Page Count:
Not specified, digital access provided
Manual Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Online Software/Web-based Access
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch system, drive axles, front-wheel drive components
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Brake Systems:
Front brakes, rear brakes, parking brake, anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, power accessories, body electricals, wiring diagrams
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication
Repair Procedures:
Component removal and installation, internal component repair, system diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Technical Depth:
Factory-derived, comprehensive for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder
Engine Displacement:
1.9 L (1859 cc)
Engine Code:
RFA (North American Specification)
Horsepower:
105 hp @ 5500 rpm (approximate)
Torque:
115 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition System (EIS), Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) on some variants
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not Rated (as per 1996 standards, detailed data may be limited)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Not Rated (as per 1996 standards, detailed data may be limited)
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts
Infotainment System:
Base AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited; ABS was optional, no advanced electronic driver aids common today
Connectivity Features:
N/A (pre-internet era in vehicle connectivity)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era, consult manual for exact specification)
Engine Coolant Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first (typical for the era, consult manual for exact specification)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles depending on spark plug type (consult manual)
Engine Oil Type:
API Service SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (consult manual for temperature range)
Engine Coolant Type:
Ford Premium Engine Coolant (Yellow) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant
Common Issues:
Transmission synchro wear (manual), cooling system leaks (heater core, radiator), ignition coil failure, wheel bearing premature wear
Tire Size:
Common sizes include 185/65R14, 195/60R14 (check specific trim)
Brand Heritage:
Mercury was positioned as a premium marque of Ford Motor Company, offering more upscale styling and features than standard Ford models.
Generation:
Second Generation Mercury Tracer (1991-1999), this 1996 model falls within the facelifted version of this generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Hermosillo, Mexico (shared with Ford Escort)
